As a major category in the toy industry, plush toys are loved by consumers around the world. They have won the hearts of countless children and adults with their cute shape, soft touch and excellent safety. However, the export of plush toys is not an easy task, and countries have strict requirements for their safety standards. This article will detail the relevant certification requirements for plush toys exported to the United States and Canada to ensure the safety of products and the safety of children.
First, let's take a look at the CCPC certification required for plush toys to be exported to the United States. CPC certification is a necessary certificate for plush toys to enter the US market, and only after obtaining the CPC certificate can the products be sold to the United States normally. In order to obtain a CPC certificate, manufacturers need to conduct ASTM related standard tests and CPSIA phthalate tests. The specific criteria are as follows:
1.Mechanical Physical Testing: Testing is performed in accordance with ASTM F963-1 standards to ensure that the toy will not cause harm to children during normal use.
2.Flammability Testing: Burn testing is performed in accordance with ASTM F963-2 to ensure that toys do not burn rapidly when exposed to ignition sources, thus avoiding fire risks.
3.Chemical Testing (8 Heavy Metals): Chemical testing is performed in accordance with ASTM F963-3 to detect the presence of 8 heavy metal elements in toys that may be harmful to children's health.
In addition, manufacturers are required to conduct CPSIA (Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act) testing for lead and phthalates. Lead is a toxic substance that can cause damage to a child's nervous system when exposed to it for a long time; Phthalates, on the other hand, are chemicals that can affect a child's reproductive system. Therefore, testing for these two substances is particularly important.
Next, let's take a look at the CCPSA certification required for plush toys to be exported to Canada. The CCPSA is Canada's Consumer Product Safety Act, which requires all toys intended for children aged 12 and under to comply with the requirements of the Act. In order to comply with the requirements of the CCPSA, manufacturers need to perform the following tests:
1.Physical and mechanical testing: Physical and mechanical testing is carried out in accordance with the CCPSA SOR 2011-17-1 standard to ensure that the toy will not cause harm to children during normal use.
2.Flame test: Flame test is carried out in accordance with the CCPSA SOR 2011-17-2 standard to ensure that the toy does not burn quickly when exposed to an ignition source, thus avoiding the risk of fire.
3.Chemical test (5 kinds of heavy metals): Chemical test is carried out in accordance with the CCPSA SOR 2011-17-3 standard to detect whether toys contain 5 kinds of heavy metal elements that may cause harm to children's health.
4.Lead and mercury testing: In addition to the above tests, manufacturers are required to conduct lead and mercury testing. Both substances are toxic substances that can be harmful to children's health when exposed to them for a long time.
In general, plush toys exported to the United States and Canada need to go through rigorous certification and testing. These certifications and tests are not only for the safety of the products, but also for the safety of children. Therefore, when exporting plush toys, manufacturers must comply with the safety standards of various countries to ensure the quality and safety of the products. At the same time, consumers should also choose certified products when buying plush toys to protect the health of themselves and their children.